We have been getting quite a few calls and emails this week and there has been surge of discussion about lake levels and the possibility of a no-wake order, so I wanted to share a few facts for context.
First, it's important to note that the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance does not manage lake levels. Water level management is overseen by the NHDES Dam Bureau, which operates the Lakeport Dam and balances conditions on Winnipesaukee with downstream impacts throughout the Winnipesaukee River system. For more info for those factors visit:
https://www.winnipesaukee.org/the-issues/lake-level/
As of June 1, Lake Winnipesaukee was approximately about 6.6 inches above the full lake level of 504.32 feet. While that is certainly elevated, it remains below levels reached during other notable high-water years.
One common misconception is that there is a specific lake-level threshold that automatically triggers a no-wake order. To my knowledge, no such threshold exists. In 2024, New Hampshire passed HB 1360, which gives the Commissioner of the Department of Safety authority to establish temporary no-wake zones during emergencies caused by weather or environmental conditions. The law does not identify a specific lake elevation that automatically triggers those restrictions.
For historical context, a lakewide no-wake restriction was issued on Winnipesaukee in July 1998 when the lake reached approximately 505.53 feet. In May 2006, a lakewide restriction was not implemented when the lake reached approximately 505.45 feet. Likewise, during the flooding events of 2023, state officials encouraged boaters to operate at headway speed and minimize wakes, but a formal lakewide no-wake order was not issued.
Lake level management is also more complex than simply opening the dam further. NHDES must balance conditions on Winnipesaukee with downstream flooding concerns, hydropower obligations, fisheries, Silver Lake water levels, wastewater treatment requirements, loon nesting habitat, lake trout spawning habitat, and other operational constraints.
Regardless of whether a formal no-wake order is in place, high water does increase the potential for shoreline erosion. That's why it's especially important for boaters to be mindful of their wake near shorelines, docks, wetlands, and other vulnerable areas.
For anyone interested in a deeper dive into the recent conditions and the history of lake level management, we recently wrote an article for the Laconia Daily Sun that summarizes much of this information:
https://www.laconiadailysun.com/boat...770e76186.html